Clearwater’s Coachman Park celebrates first anniversary with special events

CLEARWATER — It’s been one year since the grand opening of the completely remade Coachman Park, and the city of Clearwater will mark the date on Friday, June 28, with family-friendly activities and live music.

“The idea was to replicate some of the most well-attended activities” in the park, said city spokesperson Allie Chandler-Baier, with things like fitness classes, silent disco and live music. The night will end with a fire performance at 9 p.m.

In addition, Ruth Eckerd Hall, which operates the park’s new amphitheater called the BayCare Sound, has announced a series of shows and events to mark the park’s first anniversary, beginning Wednesday, July 31, with violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling. And there will be a free screening of “Jaws” on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. as part of Fin Fest: A Jimmy Buffet Celebration that will feature the cover band Bluffett.

The amphitheater is also basking in recent accolades from industry trade publication Pollstar that ranked the BayCare Sound as No. 9 in the world of amphitheaters for ticket sales.

“To be ranked in the top 10 of outdoor concert venues in our first year is a tremendous achievement,” said Susan M. Crocket, CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall. “But we’re just getting started.”

What used to be an asphalt parking lot and underused Coachman Park lawn was turned into a 19-acre public space that joined St. Petersburg’s Pier and Tampa’s Riverwalk as one of the region’s signature urban features. With views of Clearwater Harbor, paths wind around shaded gathering areas, a two-acre green for lounging and farmers’ markets, a playground and splashpad, a garden and a bluff walk to see it all.

Clearwater spent $84 million to renovate Coachman Park last year, adding a concert venue, waterfront promenade and green space that has drawn thousands for concerts and events. Earlier this year, the City Council finalized a deal for developers to build an apartment tower and hotel on two parcels surrounding the park.

The park has been a draw, but beyond the waterfront in downtown Clearwater, block after block of properties controlled by Scientologists are filled with empty storefronts and vacant lots, leaving visitors with few things to do or places to eat after leaving Coachman Park. At a recent retreat, council members talked of plans for awakening downtown with or without Scientology’s help.

With Pinellas County government properties soon to be available, the city is looking at reusing government buildings for things like retail, restaurants and housing.

Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said the park can look back on a great year, from hosting the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge, which was filmed in April at Coachman Park and aired on NBC Sports channels just this week, plus concerts at the BayCare Sound. The Next Big Thing music festival was able to return to its Coachman stomping grounds in November headlined by the Black Keys and Taylor Swift bestie Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers. And the 2023 Clearwater Jazz Holiday had its biggest lineup in years.

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The park itself is still a work in progress, Delk said.

“We may be adding more restrooms soon and we will make improvements as we go. And there’s those beautiful shade trees that we may add to, so the park will mature in more ways than one,” Delk said. “It will look prettier every year.”

Here are the activities planned by the city for June 28 to celebrate the park’s anniversary:

Schedule

5-6:30 p.m.: Welcome and DJ Timeless Entertainment

6 p.m.: Body Combat taught by the YMCA

6:30-8 p.m.: Frank Dancey Band

7 p.m.: Sunset Yoga taught by the YMCA

8-10 p.m.: Silent Disco

9-9:30 p.m.: LED Performance

9:30 p.m.: Fire Performance

If you go

Coachman Park anniversary: The one-year anniversary party of the reopening of Clearwater’s signature park runs 5-11 p.m. Friday, June 28. Free. 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater.

Lindsey Stirling: The multi-award-winning musician known for her genre-bending virtuosity on electronic violin plays Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m. $45.40-$125.50.

Fin Fest: A Buffet Celebration: The free family-friendly event features the cover band Bluffett performing the greatest hits of Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band. There will also be a free screening on the lawn of the 1975 blockbuster “Jaws.” There will be games, food trucks, specialty cocktails and refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best Parrot Head attire or as their favorite Jaws character. 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1.

Stormbringer: 30th Anniversary Concert with the Black Honkeys: This free show Friday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m. is by one of Tampa Bay’s most iconic groups.

Classic Albums Live: The band presents The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” with The Florida Rock Symphony. Sunday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. $10. 727-791-7400, RuthEckerdHall.com.